Hoarding (Singapore)

My father used to stash broken bits (stones, concrete, flower pots) under the rambutan tree, saying it’s good for the tree.  Don’t know how — maybe moisture retention but he didn’t say.  My mother would nag him on a regular basis.  

Years later, when we children were a bit older (therefore brave enough to take matters into our own hands), we waited until he was at work and loaded a pick-up truck with all the bits and drove off to the tip.  Fait accompli.

As Laura said (see blog Other people’s things), it’s much easier to throw out other people’s stuff.

I blame my father for passing on his hoarding genes to me.

(Singapore, 1960s)

See also blogs It will never rust and Other people’s things